If you've ever lost a seedling to overwatering, you know how frustrating it can be. One gardener on TikTok is showing that the solution might be sitting in your recycling bin.
The scoop
In a video, creator Grow Guy Eire (@growguyeire) explains how they reuse a condiment squeeze bottle to water young plants.
"Whenever you finish your ketchup bottle, use it to water your seedlings because … the main way anyone kills a plant or a seedling is overwatering," the TikToker said in the video.
@growguyeire #chilli #indoorgrowing #hydroponics #growtent #tomato #soil #organic #heinz #ketchup #tomatosauce #growhacks #seedlings ♬ original sound - growguyeire
This hack couldn't be easier. Instead of tossing your empty ketchup bottle into the trash, give it a good rinse and fill it with water. The narrow nozzle allows you to better control the water flow and moisten soil without drowning fragile roots.
How it's helping
By offering a gentler way to water delicate plants, this trick helps beginners and seasoned gardeners alike avoid overwatering. It also gives a second life to plastic packaging.
Gardeners can save time and money by avoiding the cycle of buying new seedlings to replace those that don't make it. Over the long term, the hack could extend the lifespan of your plants, making your garden more productive.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Environmentally, it's also a win. Repurposing containers like ketchup bottles reduces demand for new plastic, which uses energy and resources. It keeps packaging out of overflowing landfills, where it would otherwise generate heat-trapping pollution and microplastics.
For even more sustainable savings, you can also make money selling your old electronics or clothing. Every small reuse step helps ease the burden on waste systems and protects oceans from unnecessary plastic waste.
What everyone's saying
Viewers on TikTok were quick to praise the hack. "This is genius!!! My poor carrots have already drowned!!" one person wrote.
A second TikTok user suggested a similar hack: "I use an old disinfectant spray bottle. Gave it a wash out. It has the spray or 'stream' nozzle. It works perfectly."
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
Another person said: "I use my daughter's sports water bottle.. she doesn't know this but it works well! I'll save my next ketchup bottle."
|
What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Not enough time ⏳ 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
